This investigation compared the effects of single word and connected speech sampling conditions on the production of consonant clusters in 40 children (ages 3-5) with speech sound impairments. Differences between the sampling conditions were apparent for 3 of the 8 phonological processes studied and 1 of 12 phonetic variations. (Author/DB)

Presents results of a study of book deterioration and loss based on a random sample of monographs from Ohio libraries published between 1851-1939, and discusses national preservation efforts such as microfilming. Tables show the sample's (1,935 volumes) physical condition, and the sample's (872 titles) physical condition and availability. (JMV)

Three problems with stepwise research methods are explored. Computer packages may use incorrect degrees of freedom in stepwise computations. In addition, stepwise methods do not identify correctly the best variable set of a given size. A third problem is that stepwise methods tend to capitalize on sampling error. (SLD)

Notes that family researchers can examine extent of self-selection bias in samples by using range of "plausibly correlated characteristics" such as marriage and divorce public records. Provides extensive case example of analyses and discusses compensation techniques of weighting and hazard rate models. (Author/NB)

Alternative strategies for two-sample cross-validation of covariance structure models are described and investigated. Results of an empirical sampling study show that for tighter strategies simpler models are preferred in smaller samples, but when cross-validation is employed, a more complex model is supported even for small samples. (SLD)

Reviews caregiving literature, focusing on current limitations and future directions for study in areas of sampling and research design. Suggests ways to refine sampling procedures and to more carefully define what caregiver is. Suggests dyadic measurements of caregiver, elder, and family. Notes that, in examining progressive phenomenon such as…

Criticizes Iris Rotberg's December 1990 "Kappan" article for two points involving age group comparisons and alleged sampling inconsistencies. Some indicators Rotberg proposes are as flawed as those she would replace. Comparative educational research has a vital, continuing role in furthering the United States' efforts to improve its…

Responds to article by Horan, Hanish, Keen, Saberi, and Hird (1993) criticizing Howard and Curtin's (1993) study of productivity and impact in counseling psychology and offering different version of productivity study. Contends that Horan et al.'s questioning of Howard and Curtin's methodological decisions is unfounded and at variance with facts…

Clarifies several issues regarding the effects of autocorrelated errors on Type I error in ordinary least-squares models. Demonstrates through Monte Carlo simulation the conditions under which distortion in Type I error is less than predicted by asymptotic theory. Suggests a recently developed small-sample method for time-series analyses. (SLD)

Describes a procedure for automated-test-forms assembly based on Classical Test Theory (CTT). The procedure uses stratified random-content sampling and test-form preequating to ensure both content and psychometric equivalence in generating virtually unlimited parallel forms. Extends the usefulness of CTT in automated test construction. (Author/SLD)

This study developed a testing approach to increase sample size to approximately 450 scorable items, previously determined as necessary to optimize the reliability of a speech recognition test. The approach involves an interactive computer program which presents words in 50 three-word groups. The approach was evaluated with 100 persons with normal…

The Gibbs sampling algorithms presented by M. H. Seltzer (1993) are fully generalized to a broad range of settings in which vectors of random regression parameters in the hierarchical model are assumed multivariate normally or multivariate "t" distributed across groups. The use of a fully Bayesian approach is discussed. (SLD)

The three-parameter logistic (3-PL) model is described and a derivation of the 3-PL observed information function is presented for a single binary response from one examinee with known item parameters. Formulas are presented for the probability of negative information and for the expected information (always nonnegative). (SLD)

Offers an instructional approach and an exercise that can serve as a useful introduction to stratified random sampling. (ASK)

Explains how schools and students are selected for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and why high participation rates are important. Describes the multistage sampling method, which allows the National Center for Education Statistics to give an accurate picture of student performance while keeping the burden on schools and…